A study found that while the average woman owns 40 cosmetics products, she only uses 5 of them on any given day, the rest we have either used once, never used, or have no intentions of ever using, yet the taught of getting rid of them is daunting considering how much money you have spent on them. If your bathroom cabinets are full-to-the-brim with products that you rarely or never use — it’s time for action because nobody likes being called a hoarder.
My goal is to help you learn what you do need, so you can get rid of everything that you don’t need.
Spring cleaning your skin care routine come with benefits:
- Saves Money: You will stop wasting your hard-earned cash on skincare products and treatments that aren’t right for you.
- Look Better: You’ll get visible results when you use skincare products that are backed by scientific evidence and expert recommendations and based on your specific skin needs.
- Simplifies your routine which will help you to be consistent with your skin routine
So how do you go about starting?
Step 1: Figure Out Which Skin Care Products You Really Need
The “ must-haves” is a cleanser, antioxidants, moisturizer, and a sunscreen. Retinols and retinoids are next in line for most people depending on your particular skin concern.
Facial Cleanser:
Everyone needs to wash their face twice a day, as we move into warmer weather, you may need a lighter cleanser.
My favorite cleansers for this season are those that have a combination of alpha- and beta hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate and keeps the skin smooth and fresh, especially good for oily and combination skin types. My best picks are the – Neostrata Clarifying facial cleanser and the Dermaceutic Foamer 15
Antioxidants:
These help the skin cells fight free radicals and pollutants in the environment that damage our skin on a daily basis.
Vitamin C is probably the best known antioxidant. My favourites are the Obagi C 10% and the SkinCeuticals Serum 10. Antioxidants are a key part of your skin’s defense against deterioration!
Moisturizers:
In the spring and summer months, there is a less need for a really thick moisturizer, but if required , I generally prescribe it for the evening and recommend something lighter for the day.
One of my favorite summertime “moisturizers” is the Neostrata Bionic lotion it is light, but still hydrating without making your skin feel oily or heavy.
Sunscreens:
Everyone needs sunscreen every day, all-year-round, especially moving into the spring and summer when the sun is more intense and we are outside more often. Sun damage happens over years from the culmination of UV radiation over time, you need to protect from the daily effects of chronic sun exposure that will begin to show as fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots, dull skin, and discoloration. Using sunscreen is one of the best things you can do in the long term for your skin. Choose a broadspectrum with an SPF 30 or more and apply at least 30minutes before stepping outside. My favorite is the Heliocare 360 Gel Oil Free SPF 50 and the Heliocare 360 Cushion Compact SPF 50+(Bronze) as a touch up.
Step 2: Throw Away Expired Products
Hanging on to skincare products past their prime isn’t doing your skin any favors and might actually be causing the very problems you’re trying to get rid of. As a general guide if something looks lumpy or runny, has changed color, or smells funky, you probably don’t want it on your skin
To help you optimize your skincare routine, book your consultation to get specific product recommendations based on your unique skin situation and goals.